Stress in women physicians in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

To understand and evaluate practicing women physicians' perception of physical and mental health, job stress, satisfaction, and level of professional knowledge. Specifically designed questionnaires for socio-demographic characteristics, physical and mental health, Self perception of medical knowledge and ability were distributed among 150 female doctors. The sample consisted of family physicians [n=41], specialists [n=57] and house officers [n=52]. Only quantitative methods were used in the study to analyze the data. Findings: 71% of the women physicians perceived their physical health as good. 34% of the women physicians reported 'high' level of stress. The level of stress was high among house officers [32%] and specialists [21%] than family physicians [12%]. Conclusions: Most of the female doctors perceived their physical health as good and level of stress as 'high' or 'moderate'. Stress in female physicians leads to more time-off work, intake of antidepressant and smoking. Stressed doctors are also less likely to enjoy their practice